HK1258970B - Medical delivery device - Google Patents

Description

Medical delivery devices

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a medical delivery device according to the preamble of independent claim 1. This device can be implemented by the following components: (i) a rod element extending into the interior space of a housing and comprising a stem having a longitudinal axis, a first thread arrangement, a distal end, and a proximal end; and (ii) a dose member extending into the interior space of the housing and comprising a delivery orifice and a chamber body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow interior space. The stem of the rod element extends into the interior space of the chamber body of the dose member, and the delivery orifice is arranged adjacent to the proximal end of the stem of the rod element. In a metering/dosing/dosing state of the medical delivery device, the rod element is movable along its longitudinal axis relative to the delivery orifice of the dose member by advancing the first and second thread arrangements of the stem of the rod element along one another. When the rod element is moved away from the delivery orifice, a dose chamber is formed within the interior space of the chamber body of the dose member between the stem of the rod element and the delivery orifice. This device can be used to allow a patient to self-administer liquids, such as medications or drugs.

Background Art

In many medical applications, it is necessary to transfer liquids or other fluids out of a container, and this can be done in a variety of different ways. In particular, in situations where liquids must be delivered very precisely, specialized devices are often used. For example, liquid pharmaceutical substances are often provided in the form of glass or plastic bottles, which are sealed with a septum or rubber stopper and a cap or other similar sealing cover buckled around them. Typically, a syringe is used to deliver the pharmaceutical substance/drug from the bottle. The needle of the syringe then penetrates the septum or cap, and the drug is drawn into the syringe through the needle. Once transferred to the syringe, the drug is delivered in an appropriate manner. For example, the drug can be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly, or it can be administered orally or in the form of drops, for example, applied to the patient's eyes or nose.

Transferring liquids from bottles or containers via syringe is often difficult. This typically requires trained personnel, such as doctors or nurses. In particular, when the dose of the delivered liquid must be quite precise, for example when dealing with relatively small volumes ranging from 10 microliters to about 1 milliliter, patients are often unable to perform the delivery themselves using a syringe or similar device. Self-administration can be challenging for users. However, self-administration of liquids or medications is beneficial in many therapeutic applications because it can significantly reduce patient effort and treatment costs.

To improve this situation, devices that allow for more convenient delivery of relatively precise volumes of liquids have been developed. For example, it is known to provide medications that can be self-administered in prefilled syringes. However, such prefilled syringes are generally not preferred for a variety of reasons. For example, compared to manufacturing vials, producing prefilled syringes is relatively complex and expensive. Alternatively, syringes must offer a wide variety of possible doses suitable for different applications and patients, making their manufacture quite cumbersome. Another example of a delivery device is the injection pen commonly used to treat diabetes.

US Pat. No. 6,607,508 B2 describes another delivery device, namely an automated medical delivery device having a cylindrical syringe barrel with a plunger rod extending from one side into the barrel. The other side of the syringe barrel is threaded, onto which a needle assembly can be screwed. The plunger rod has a bottle holder that holds the bottle. The plunger rod is also equipped with a channel extending longitudinally along the entire length of the plunger rod. A pin extends radially from the plunger rod, which engages with a slot in the dose barrel surrounding the portion of the plunger rod containing the pin. By rotating the dose barrel via the dose ring, the plunger rod translates, creating a volume between the plunger rod and the threaded side of the syringe barrel. This movement causes the medication to be transferred from the bottle through the channel into the volume. Rotation of the dose barrel in the opposite direction is prevented by a ratchet mechanism, which ensures that no liquid can be forced back through the channel. The device also has a spring-driven and automatic needle injection mechanism for delivering the medication from the volume via a needle threaded onto the threaded portion of the syringe barrel. During drug delivery, the plunger rod automatically rotates in the opposite direction by the spring force and the volume decreases. As a result, the drug is pressed through the needle.

Although such known conveying devices are improving with regard to the situation of convenient handling, they are still quite complicated, particularly for accurately metering and metering the delivery of liquids. Moreover, the delivery of liquids may be quite slow, which makes administration quite cumbersome.

Therefore, there is a need for a medical delivery device which, on the one hand, allows for accurate metered delivery of a liquid from a container and, on the other hand, allows for convenient self-administration of the liquid.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention, this need is solved by a medical delivery device as defined by the features of independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are subject matter of the dependent claims.

In particular, the present invention relates to a medical delivery device comprising a rod element and a dose member. The rod element comprises a stem having a longitudinal axis, a first thread arrangement, a distal end, and a proximal end. The dose member comprises a second thread arrangement, a delivery orifice, and a chamber body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow interior. The stem of the rod element extends into the interior space of the chamber body of the dose member. The delivery orifice is arranged adjacent to the proximal end of the stem of the rod element.

In the metering state of the medical delivery device, the rod element is movable along its longitudinal axis relative to the delivery orifice of the dose member, with the first thread arrangement of the stem of the rod element and the second thread arrangement of the dose member advancing along one another. Consequently, a dose chamber is formed within the interior space of the chamber body of the dose member, between the stem of the rod element and the delivery orifice, with the dose chamber increasing in size as the rod element moves away from the delivery orifice. Furthermore, in the metering state of the medical delivery device, the first thread arrangement of the rod element engages/meshes the second thread arrangement of the dose member.

The term "proximal," as used in conjunction with the present invention and disclosed embodiments of medical delivery devices, may refer to the orientation of the medical delivery device toward a patient's body during its intended use. Thus, when the medical delivery device is applied to a patient, the proximal portion or near portion may be directed or positioned closer to the patient's body. Conversely, the term "distal," as used in conjunction with the present invention and disclosed embodiments of medical delivery devices, may refer to the orientation of the medical delivery device away from the patient's body during its intended use. For example, in a conventional syringe, the proximal end is typically the tip of the needle, while the distal end is the end of the plunger that is pushed by the thumb.

The first thread arrangement may be an internal thread arrangement, and correspondingly, the second thread arrangement may be an external thread arrangement. The term "external" in relation to a thread arrangement may refer to the direction in which the thread arrangement is oriented. In particular, it may refer to a thread arrangement that is oriented outwardly so that it can interact with a corresponding internal thread arrangement. Similarly, the term "internal" in relation to a thread arrangement may refer to the opposite/opposite direction in which the thread arrangement is oriented.

The term "thread" as used herein refers to a convex structure such as a ridge or a concave structure such as a groove extending along a surface or around a body. Typically, the thread is helical or substantially helical and extends along and around a body or portion.

In the medical delivery device according to the present invention and the disclosed embodiments of the medical delivery device, the dose member and the rod element can rotate relative to each other by the dose member rotating around the rod element, the rod element rotating in or around the dose member, or both the dose member and the rod element rotating. To effectively achieve appropriate rotational movement, the dose member and the rod element can be coaxially arranged.

The term "travel along one another" used in conjunction with first and second thread arrangements may relate to components moving or translating in or on the threads. For example, a male member such as a pin may move in and along a groove of an internal thread.

The stem of the rod element and the stem of the plurality of rod elements of the disclosed medical delivery device embodiments can have a cylindrical or cylindrical shape. When extended into the interior of the chamber body of the dose member, the distal end of the body of the rod element can be located near the distal end of the chamber body, and the proximal end of the stem of the rod element can be located near the proximal end of the chamber body.

The delivery orifice and multiple delivery orifices of the disclosed medical delivery device embodiments can be shaped for a specific application or dosing of a medicament or drug delivered by the device. For example, if the device is used for injecting a medicament, it can be a needle. In such an embodiment, the needle can extend from the interior space of the housing through its proximal opening to outside the housing or a specific portion thereof as described below. The delivery orifice can also be adapted to be connected to a delivery member. For example, it can include a male or female portion of a Luer lock or Luer taper connector, and the delivery member can be equipped with a corresponding female or male Luer lock connector. The delivery orifice can be arranged at the proximal end of the dose member.

The medical delivery device and the accompanying embodiments of the medical delivery device according to the present invention can be made of plastic. In particular, they can be made of sterilizable plastic manufactured using an injection molding process.

Since, according to the present invention, the dose member directly comprises the second thread arrangement, a reliable and efficient embodiment of a medical delivery device suitable for various therapeutic applications can be achieved. This prevents the need for a large number of parts to be used for metering. Furthermore, in the metering state of the medical delivery device, the first thread arrangement of the rod element, which engages with the second thread arrangement of the dose member, allows for precise metering of liquids, particularly even with very small volumes (e.g., between 10 μl and 1 ml). Thus, the medical delivery device allows, on the one hand, precise metering of liquids, for example, from a container, and, on the other hand, convenient self-administration of the liquid after metering.

Preferably, the medical delivery device comprises a housing having an interior space, a proximal opening and a distal opening, wherein the rod element extends into the interior space of the housing and the dose member also extends into the interior space of the housing. The delivery orifice may protrude from the interior space of the housing through the proximal opening thereof.

The housing can be generally cylindrical. The distal and proximal openings can be implemented on the respective distal and proximal sides of the housing. The housing can have a flange portion at or near its distal end as a finger rest, in which the distal opening is disposed. The housing can, in particular, form an outer envelope for the medical delivery device. It can be shaped to allow for convenient handling and use of the device and to protect the components within.

The term "extending into" in relation to a rod element, dose member, housing or other component may relate to being arranged completely or partially inside. For example, it may relate to an arrangement where a part of a component is partially outside another component but also extends into the other component.

Preferably, the second thread arrangement is arranged on the outer surface of the chamber body of the dose member, the first thread arrangement of the rod element comprises an arm section extending below the stem, and in the metering state of the delivery device, the first thread arrangement of the rod element engages the second thread arrangement of the dose member via the arm section. The arm section may comprise a plurality of arms, for example two arms, etc.

The first thread arrangement of the stem of the rod element and the second thread arrangement of the dose member may comprise threads and a male member. Thus, in the metering state, when the dose member is rotated relative to the stem of the rod element, the male member can travel along the threads. The threads can be implemented as internal threads on the dose member, and the second thread arrangement can comprise a male member, such as a pin, extending into the internal threads. Preferably, the first thread arrangement of the rod element is a pin arrangement having at least one pin as the male member, the second thread arrangement of the dose member comprises threads, and the first thread arrangement of the rod element engages the second thread arrangement of the dose member via at least one pin of the pin arrangement of the rod element located in the threads of the second thread arrangement of the dose member. Thus, the pin arrangement can be a male internal thread configuration, and the threads can be a female external thread configuration.

Preferably, in the metering state of the medical delivery device, the dose member is rotatable relative to the rod element such that the first thread arrangement of the rod element and the second thread arrangement of the dose member run along one another, and the rod element moves along the longitudinal axis of its stem relative to the delivery orifice. This allows for efficient metering with a relatively simple setup. Thus, the medical delivery device preferably includes a metering actuator/enabler/activator, wherein the dose member has a first coupling structure, the metering actuator has a second coupling structure corresponding to the first coupling structure, and the metering actuator is torque-resistantly connected to the dose member when the second coupling structure is mounted to the first coupling structure. Such a metering actuator can allow for precise metering with the medical delivery device. It can, for example, be removed prior to administration.

In particular, the metering actuator can be mounted to the dose member in a metered state of the medical delivery device. The first coupling structure can protrude through the proximal opening of the housing. The metering actuator and the dose member can be axially aligned, which can facilitate rotational movement.

The metering actuator preferably comprises a dial unit which is connected to the dose member in a torque-resistant manner when the second coupling structure is mounted to the first coupling structure, such that rotation of the dial unit causes the dose member to rotate. Such a dial unit can be embodied with means for facilitating metering operation. For example, it can be provided with gripping structures such as ribs, thereby allowing comfortable manual operation.

In addition, the metering actuator preferably includes a container seat for holding the container in a predetermined position. The term "container" used here can relate to any liquid reservoir that is applicable to storing and conveying liquids or fluids. In the case where the liquid is a medicament, etc., the container can especially be a bottle/small medicine bottle. The term "bottle" as used herein can relate to a relatively small container or bottle that is typically used to store pharmaceutical products or pharmaceutical preparations or medicaments in liquid, powder or capsule form. The bottle can be made of sterilizable material, for example glass or plastics such as polypropylene. The container can also include multiple sub-containers, for example multiple bottles. The term "predetermined position" here can be so that the opening of the container is oriented towards the delivery orifice. This container seat allows the container to be connected in a good predetermined position and direction. This allows the container to be effectively connected to a system or medical delivery device.

Thus, the transfer orifice preferably connects the receptacle of the metering actuator with the dose chamber of the dose member such that, when the container is positioned in the receptacle of the metering actuator, an open conduit is formed between the interior of the container and the dose chamber of the dose member. When the metering actuator is rotated about the longitudinal axis, the open conduit allows liquid to be transferred from the container into the dose chamber. More specifically, by rotating the metering actuator, the rod element moves along the longitudinal axis, causing the dose chamber to expand or contract, and liquid to be transferred from the container into the dose chamber, and vice versa.

The container holder of the metered-dose actuator preferably includes a lancet that pierces the opening of the container cap when the container is placed in the container holder of the metered-dose actuator. Typically, the container is closed by a pierceable cap, such as a septum. The presence of such a lancet prevents the delivery orifice itself from having to pierce the cap. This reduces the risk of damage or contamination of the delivery orifice. For example, if the cap includes a septum and the delivery orifice has a needle, this prevents the needle from having to pierce the septum, which could potentially contaminate the needle. Thus, the lancet allows the delivery orifice to be maintained in a ready-to-dose state, such as for injection.

The metering actuator preferably includes an orifice seal that seals the delivery orifice of the dose member when the second coupling structure of the metering actuator is mounted on the first coupling structure of the dose member. This arrangement can minimize residual volume. Advantageously, the orifice seal is positioned as close as possible to the tip or proximal end of the delivery orifice. The orifice seal can be shaped as a plug that forms a channel or thinner portion such as a hole when inserted into the delivery orifice. It can be made of plastic such as silicone or a similar material. The delivery orifice seal can be used to protect the delivery orifice. In particular, it can prevent the delivery orifice from being contaminated. Moreover, when the metering actuator is not attached to the drug delivery device, the orifice seal can prevent drug from spilling. In addition, the orifice seal minimizes the free space around the delivery orifice that can accommodate air. In this way, the amount of air that is extracted with the contents of the container and transferred to the dose chamber is reduced or even at least substantially eliminated.

Preferably, when the container is arranged in the container seat of the metering actuator and the rod element and the dose member are rotated relative to each other in a first direction, the fluid is transferred from the container through the delivery orifice to the dose chamber. This allows for an efficient design of the delivery device and comfortable metering. Thus, when the container is arranged in the container seat of the metering actuator and the rod element and the dose member are rotated relative to each other in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, the fluid is preferably transferred from the dose chamber to the container through the delivery orifice. This allows for metering adjustment. Thus, the dose in the dose chamber can be easily changed, adjusted, and repeatedly corrected until the desired dose is selected. After the medical delivery device has been switched to the delivery state or mode, further metering is no longer possible.

The first thread arrangement of the stem of the rod element and/or the second thread arrangement of the dose member may be provided with a plurality of irregularities positioned at a fixed distance from one another, such that when the first thread arrangement of the stem of the rod element and the second thread arrangement of the dose member are advanced along one another, the first thread arrangement of the stem of the rod element and the second thread arrangement of the dose member interact with one of the plurality of irregularities at a predetermined rotational angle. The irregularity may cause an audible and/or tactile signal each time the first thread arrangement and the second thread arrangement undergo a certain rotation. The irregularity may, for example, be a gap in the wall of the thread.

Thus, the irregularity may be positioned such that a rotation of the dose member through a predetermined rotational angle causes the dose chamber to change in volume by a predetermined amount. In particular, each rotation through the predetermined angle may change the volume of the dose chamber by the same predetermined amount. In this way, a signal may be provided to a user of the medical delivery device during dosing that the dose volume has changed by the predetermined amount.

Preferably, the medical delivery device comprises a switching mechanism for changing the medical delivery device from a metering state to a delivery state, wherein in the metering state of the medical delivery device, the rod element is prevented from moving along its longitudinal axis by applying an axial force to the rod element, and in the delivery state of the medical delivery device, the rod element is movable along its longitudinal axis relative to the delivery orifice by applying an axial force to the rod element, and the rod element is prevented from moving along its longitudinal axis by rotating the dial housing about the stem of the rod element.

The term "axial force" used in connection with moving a rod element in a delivery state of a medical delivery device may refer to a force applied to the rod element to axially move it. This axial force can typically be manually induced, for example, by pushing the distal end of the rod element or a component mounted to the rod element with a thumb.

The term "prevent" herein may refer to preventing an axial force from axially moving the rod element. It will be appreciated that if the axial force is sufficiently high, even if axial movement caused by the axial force is prevented, the rod element may still be able to move axially, for example, by damaging or deforming certain parts or features of the device. Therefore, preventing axial movement caused by the axial force may be related to proper use of the device.

The switching mechanism may comprise a metering actuator.In particular, the medical delivery device may be designed such that it is in the metering state when the metering actuator is mounted to the dose member and can only be switched to the delivery state when the metering actuator is removed from the dose member.

By providing a switching mechanism or structure for the medical delivery device, a clear distinction can be made between a metering state and a delivery state during use. This allows for the functional separation of metering of a liquid, such as a medicament, from its delivery. Typically, in a first step, the medical delivery device is in a metering state. In this state, the liquid can be accurately metered into the dosing chamber. This prevents any unintended activation of the medical delivery device, such as by applying an axial force to a rod element, which could compromise metering accuracy. This facilitates accurate and safe metering of liquids and ensures that liquid is not administered before the metering selection is complete.

After the medical delivery device is switched to the delivery state, further dose adjustments can be prevented, thereby preventing a disruption in accurate metering during liquid delivery. Furthermore, starting the medical delivery device in the delivery state can be particularly convenient, as further metering is not possible and, therefore, no measures need to be taken to prevent accidental changes in the dose during administration. This makes self-administration of liquids particularly convenient and safe. The switching mechanism can be implemented such that, once the medical delivery device is in the delivery state, it is not possible to switch back to the metering state.

Preferably, the switching mechanism includes a disengagement structure or mechanical structure that disengages the first thread arrangement of the stem of the rod element from the second thread arrangement of the dose member when the medical delivery device changes from the metering state to the delivery state. By disengaging the first thread arrangement from the second thread arrangement, axial movement of the stem can be achieved without rotation of the stem about its longitudinal axis. Thus, the stem can be displaced by axial force without any rotational movement. At the same time, because the first and second thread arrangements are no longer engaged with each other, advancement of the stem by rotational movement is prevented.

Preferably, the switching mechanism comprises a release housing having a recess, wherein, in the metering state of the delivery device, the release housing holds the arm section of the rod element in a constrained position such that when the delivery device switches from the metering state to the delivery state, the first thread arrangement of the rod element engages the second thread arrangement of the dose member via the arm section, the release housing of the switching mechanism is moved relative to the arm section of the rod element, and in the delivery state of the delivery device, the arm section of the rod element is positioned in the recess of the release housing such that the first thread arrangement of the rod element is disengaged from the second thread arrangement of the dose member.

In embodiments where the arm segment of a rod element comprises multiple arms, the release housing can be equipped with a corresponding plurality of recesses. The release housing can have a hollow cylindrical body, with the recesses being provided as openings in the cylindrical wall. To enable movement relative to the rod element, the release housing can rotate about the rod element. Thus, it can, for example, rotate about the longitudinal axis of the rod element's stem. When switching the medical delivery device from a metering state to a delivery state, the release housing, together with the constrained arm segment, effectively disengages the first thread arrangement from the second thread arrangement. In particular, such an arrangement allows for an efficient and relatively simple mechanical implementation of the switching mechanism.

Preferably, the rod element includes a stopper on its proximal end. In particular, the stopper may be located proximal to the stem of the rod element. The term "stopper" herein may refer to a stopper in the narrow sense, i.e., a plug-like sealing member. It may also refer to an alternative sealing member, such as an O-ring attached to the stem. The stopper may be made of an elastic material, such as rubber, to provide tightness. With the aid of the stopper, the rod element can be tightly arranged in the dose chamber of the dose member. This can induce a negative pressure, a partial vacuum, or a vacuum in the dose chamber, allowing liquid to be drawn into the dose chamber.

Preferably, the medical delivery device includes a counter coupled to the rod element such that the counter indicates the dose volume formed by the rod element when the rod element is moved along its longitudinal axis relative to the delivery orifice due to rotation of the dose member and the rod element relative to each other. By coupling the counter to the rod element, movement of the rod element relative to the delivery orifice can be detected and directly reflected by adjusting the displayed dose volume. In this way, a precise, purely mechanical dose counter can be effectively implemented.

Thereby, the counter may remain coupled with the second thread arrangement of the dose member.When an axial force is applied, the dose member can no longer rotate but slides longitudinally together with the rod element.

During operation or use of the aforementioned medical delivery devices, as well as other medical delivery devices, a large negative pressure is introduced into the dosing chamber to withdraw fluid from the container. Specifically, during metering, the stem and a stopper proximally mounted to the stem move away from the delivery orifice. This creates a negative pressure, which in turn draws the liquid from the container. This negative pressure can deform the stopper to a certain degree, which can reduce metering accuracy, particularly when high precision is required or the volume to be metered is very small. Therefore, there is a need for a delivery device that allows for particularly precise metering.

This need is addressed by another aspect of the present disclosure, which relates to a medical delivery device comprising a rod element and a dose member. The rod element comprises a stem having a longitudinal axis, a distal end, a proximal end, and a stopper mounted to a head portion of the proximal end of the stem element. The dose member comprises a delivery orifice and a chamber body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow interior space, wherein the stem of the rod element extends into the interior space of the chamber body of the dose member, and the delivery orifice is arranged adjacent to the stopper of the rod element, and the stopper fits tightly into the interior space of the chamber body.

In particular, in another aspect of the present disclosure, the head portion of the stem of the rod element of the medical delivery device has a plurality of protrusions, and the stopper has a corresponding internal space, wherein the entire head portion of the stem fits into the internal space of the stopper. By providing the stem with such protrusions and by appropriately shaping the stopper, deformation of the stopper can be hindered or eliminated. Consequently, higher metering accuracy can be achieved.

Preferably, in the metering state of the medical delivery device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the rod element is movable along its longitudinal axis relative to the delivery orifice of the dose member such that a dose chamber is formed in the inner space of the chamber body of the dose member, between the stem of the rod element and the delivery orifice, the dose chamber increasing in size when the rod element is moved away from the delivery orifice.

The stopper is preferably made of a resilient material such as rubber or an elastomeric/synthetic rubber material.

Preferably, the plurality of protrusions on the stem head are convex. Such convex protrusions can be pressed into the stopper, which increases the retaining force of the stopper on the stem. The protrusions on the stem head of the rod element are preferably separated by a concave intermediate section. Such a concave section can further help retain the stopper on the stem.

Preferably, the stem of the rod element comprises an abutment surface from which the head portion extends. Thus, the stopper preferably abuts axially against the abutment surface of the stem of the rod element. In this way, the stopper can be clamped between the bulge and the abutment surface, allowing it to be precisely positioned.

Preferably, the head portion of the stem of the rod element has a reduced diameter compared to the rest of the stem. In this way, a thicker stopper can be used without increasing the maximum diameter of the stem having the stopper.

Preferably, the stem of the rod element is rotationally symmetrical. In particular, the head portion, which forms part of the stem, is also rotationally symmetrical. This allows the stem to be rotationally symmetrical about its longitudinal axis and also to be movable along this longitudinal axis. This shape of the stem can be manufactured efficiently.

In the medical delivery device according to the present invention and in all aspects of the present disclosure described above and below, the medical delivery device preferably comprises a holder body, a spring element and a release mechanism, wherein the release mechanism activates the spring element when the rod element moves along its longitudinal axis relative to the delivery orifice and the dose chamber is minimized, causing the holder body to move relative to the delivery orifice, thereby covering the delivery orifice.

In this context, the term "minimized dose chamber" may particularly relate to a dose chamber that is more or less completely emptied. Thus, by advancing the rod element toward the delivery orifice, the dose chamber can be substantially eliminated. This arrangement allows the delivery orifice to be effectively protected after delivery. This can be particularly important when the delivery orifice is a needle or a needle-like arrangement.

In one possible embodiment, the holder body is a housing of the medical delivery device. Thus, after the dose is delivered, the spring element moves the housing relative to the delivery orifice, thereby protecting or covering the delivery orifice. In other words, the delivery orifice or needle is retracted into the housing by the spring element.

Preferably, the release mechanism includes a blocking member, with the spring element disposed between the holder body and the blocking member. This blocking member allows the spring element to be decoupled from any rotational movement during use of the device (e.g., metering, delivery, etc.). This allows for a high degree of metering and metering indication accuracy (i.e., the metering indication is the same before and after delivery). In particular, any disturbances during metering due to rotation of the spring element can be prevented.

Thus, in the metering state of the medical delivery device, the locking member and the retainer body are preferably arranged so as not to rotate when the first and second threaded arrangements of the rod element travel along one another. Furthermore, preferably, in the metering state of the medical delivery device, when the switching mechanism is rotated, the release housing of the medical delivery device switches from the metering state to the delivery state, with the release mechanism being ready for activation at the end of the delivery process. This arrangement effectively decouples the spring element from any rotational movement during dosing.

Preferably, the dose member and the release mechanism interact such that a perceptible (clicking) tapping is generated when the dose member is rotated along the longitudinal axis. The term "(clicking) tapping" in this context may relate to an audible sound and/or a perceptible signal. It may in particular be generated by the engagement of the dose member and the release mechanism.

In the operation or use of the above-mentioned medical delivery devices and other medical delivery devices, and more generally in any application where a liquid substance is to be withdrawn from a container enclosed by a septum or the like, the needle of a syringe typically pierces the septum or cap of the container or bottle, and the substance is drawn into the syringe through the needle of the syringe. Once transferred into the syringe, the substance is delivered in an appropriate manner. For example, the substance can be a pharmaceutical substance that can be injected via a needle, for example, subcutaneously or intramuscularly, or can be administered orally or as drops, for example, into the patient's eyes or nose.

When piercing a container's septum or cap, the syringe needle often becomes contaminated by the septum. However, in many applications, such as those involving injections, such contamination is undesirable. Furthermore, particularly when the syringe is a specialized device such as an injection device, a relatively large amount of air is often drawn into the syringe before the liquid substance is administered. This air in the syringe must typically be removed from the syringe during a priming step before administering the substance. This priming step can make metering and delivering a precise amount of liquid difficult, particularly when the amount of liquid is relatively small, for example, in the range of approximately 10 μl to 1 ml.

Therefore, there is a need for a device or process that allows for the delivery of precise doses of liquids under precise conditions. This need is addressed by another aspect of the present disclosure, which relates to an adapter for connecting a container to a delivery device having a delivery orifice. The adapter includes a mounting structure and a container seat, the mounting structure being arranged to connect and disconnect the adapter from the delivery device, the container seat being used to maintain the container in a predetermined position relative to the tip of the delivery orifice. When the container is arranged in the container seat of the adapter and the mounting structure of the adapter is connected to the delivery device, an open conduit is formed between the interior of the container and the interior of the delivery orifice of the delivery device. The container seat of the adapter includes a lancet of a cap that pierces the opening of the container when the container is arranged in the container seat of the metering actuator.

The delivery device may be a device for delivering a liquid substance. For example, it may be a drug delivery device for administering a liquid medicament. Using such a delivery device, a liquid substance, such as a medicament, can be delivered or administered in an appropriate form, such as via drops for eye administration, via a dose for oral administration, etc. In particular, the delivery device may be an injection device for subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of a substance.

The delivery orifice of the adapter can be shaped for a specific application or delivery of the medicament to be delivered from the delivery device. For example, if the delivery device is used for injecting a medicament, it can be a needle. In such an embodiment, the delivery orifice or needle can extend from the interior space of the housing through its proximal opening to the outside of the housing or a specific portion thereof. The delivery orifice can also be adapted to be connected to a delivery member. For example, it can include a male or female portion of a Luer lock or Luer taper connector, and the delivery member can be equipped with a corresponding female or male Luer lock connector. Other examples of delivery orifices are nozzles, valves, fluid guides, etc.

The container can be the container described above or as described below. The container seat allows for connection of the container in a well-defined position and orientation. The term "predetermined position" used in reference to the container seat can be such that the opening of the container is oriented toward the delivery orifice. This allows for efficient connection of the container to a system or medical delivery device.

The cap of the container may include a septum or a resilient stopper. Typically, such a septum or stopper is placed in the container's opening to seal it. The cap may also include a metal or plastic cover that is placed or crimped around the opening and the septum or stopper. The cover can accommodate and protect the septum or stopper.

The adapter can be made of plastic. In particular, it can be made of a sterilizable plastic that can be manufactured using an injection molding process. It can be shaped into a generally cylindrical/cylindrical shape. Furthermore, it can be part of or integrated into another device, such as a metered dose actuator described in more detail below. The delivery device or medical delivery device can be a needle device such as a syringe or other injection device.

When the adapter is mounted on the delivery device and the container is positioned in the container holder, the open conduit allows liquid to be transferred from the container to the dosing chamber of the delivery device. The adapter prevents the delivery orifice itself from having to pierce the cap with the aid of a lancet. This reduces the risk of damaging or contaminating the delivery orifice of the delivery device. For example, when the cap includes a septum, this prevents the delivery orifice from having to pierce the septum, which often contaminates or desiliconizes the delivery orifice and may also damage the delivery orifice or its tip. The lancet thus allows the delivery orifice to be maintained in a state ready for administration, such as an injection. In this way, the adapter allows for the delivery of precise doses of liquid in perfect condition.

Preferably, the lancet extends in the interior space of the container seat. This arrangement of the lancet allows it to directly pierce the cap of the container when it is arranged or placed in the container seat. Therefore, it is advantageous for the container seat to be adapted to hold the container so that its opening is directed towards the lancet.

Preferably, the lancet includes a pointed tip. This pointed tip can be embodied to be sufficiently sharp to penetrate the cap or its septum or stop. Such a lancet allows for convenient puncture of the cap in an appropriate manner. Thus, the lancet preferably includes a conduit extending longitudinally from the pointed tip through/through the lancet. The term "longitudinally" herein may refer to the direction of the lancet. In particular, the lancet can be oriented along the axis of the container. The conduit of the lancet allows for connection of the container to the delivery orifice and transfer of liquid from the container to the delivery orifice or the dosing chamber.

Preferably, the adapter further comprises a delivery orifice seal, which seals the delivery orifice of the delivery device when the mounting structure of the adapter is connected to the delivery device. Such an arrangement allows minimizing the volume of air around the delivery orifice, in particular around its tip. Advantageously, the orifice seal is positioned as close as possible to the tip or proximal end of the delivery orifice. With the aid of the orifice seal, the delivery orifice can be protected and contamination reduced. Furthermore, the free space containing air around the delivery orifice or its tip can be minimized by the delivery orifice seal. In this way, the amount of air that is expelled with the liquid from the container and transported through the delivery orifice can be reduced or even at least substantially eliminated. Moreover, the orifice seal prevents spillage of the drug when the adapter is not attached to the delivery device.

The adapter preferably also includes a seal retainer, into which the delivery orifice seal is tightly disposed. For example, such a seal retainer can be configured as a recess that fits within the delivery orifice seal. The delivery orifice seal can then be slightly compressed and pushed into the recess, where it is retained by friction. The delivery orifice seal is preferably shaped as a plug.

The delivery orifice seal preferably includes a channel through which the delivery orifice extends when the mounting structure of the adapter is connected to the delivery device. The delivery orifice can be snugly received in the channel. To this end, the diameter of the channel can be slightly smaller than the diameter of the delivery orifice, so that when the delivery orifice is arranged in the channel, the delivery orifice seal slightly deforms, thereby tightening the delivery orifice in the delivery orifice seal.

Preferably, when the mounting structure of the adapter is connected to the delivery device, the delivery orifice of the delivery device extends into the conduit of the lancet. This allows the delivery orifice to be positioned relatively close to the lancet, which minimizes the volume of air surrounding the delivery orifice, particularly near its tip. Consequently, when transferring liquid from the container into the delivery orifice or dosing chamber, relatively little air is displaced by the delivery orifice.

Thus, the delivery orifice seal preferably abuts the lancet tightly at the side of the catheter end opposite the tip of the lancet.This allows further minimization of the free space around the output orifice tip so that the amount of air around the delivery orifice tip can be minimized.

The delivery orifice seal is preferably made of silicone. It can also be made of plastic, with silicone being particularly advantageous. More specifically, using silicone in the delivery orifice seal prevents contamination of the delivery orifice by the delivery orifice seal. Furthermore, silicone is sufficiently elastic to fit snugly within the seal holder and securely secure the delivery orifice to the catheter.

In connection with an adapter, a method for delivering a liquid to a patient comprises the following steps: obtaining a liquid in a container, a delivery device having a delivery orifice according to any of the preceding claims and an adapter; placing the container in a container seat of the adapter; when the mounting structure of the adapter is connected to the delivery device and the container is placed in the container seat of the adapter, withdrawing the liquid from the container into the delivery device via the delivery orifice of the delivery device; decoupling the adapter from the delivery device; and optionally providing the liquid to the outside of the delivery device via the delivery orifice. The steps of the method may also be performed in an order different from the order listed above.

The method according to the invention allows to efficiently achieve the benefits described in connection with the above-mentioned adapter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The medical delivery device according to the invention is described in more detail below with the aid of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG1 shows a front view of a first embodiment of a medical delivery device according to the present invention in a metering state and in a starting position;

FIG2 shows a perspective exploded view of the medical delivery device of FIG1 ;

FIG3 shows a cross-sectional view of the medical delivery device of FIG1 ;

FIG4 shows a front view of the medical delivery device of FIG1 after metering in a metering state;

FIG5 shows a cross-sectional view of the medical delivery device of FIG4 ;

FIG6 shows a front view of the medical delivery device of FIG1 after the metered dose actuator is removed from the injection device;

FIG7 shows a cross-sectional view of the medical delivery device of FIG6 ;

FIG8 shows a front view of the injection device of the medical delivery device of FIG1 after switching from the metering state to the delivery state;

FIG9 shows a cross-sectional view of the injection device of FIG8 ;

FIG10 shows a front view of the injection device of the medical delivery device of FIG1 after delivery in the delivery state;

FIG11 shows a cross-sectional view of the injection device of FIG10 ;

FIG12 shows a front view of the injection device of the medical delivery device of FIG1 in the delivery state with the needle covered and protected;

FIG13 shows a cross-sectional view of the injection device of FIG12 ;

FIG14 shows a cross-sectional view of the metering actuator of FIG1 after being removed from the injection device;

FIG15 shows a cross-sectional view of a detail of the metering actuator of FIG14 ;

FIG16 shows a front view of the second embodiment of the medical delivery device according to the present invention in a locked state and in a starting position;

FIG17 shows a perspective exploded view of the medical delivery device of FIG16;

FIG18 shows a cross-sectional view of the medical delivery device of FIG16 in a locked state;

FIG19 shows a front view of the medical delivery device of FIG16 switched from the locked state to the metered state before metered administration;

FIG20 shows a cross-sectional view of the medical delivery device of FIG19;

FIG21 shows a front view of the medical delivery device of FIG16 after metering in a metering state;

FIG22 shows a cross-sectional view of the medical delivery device of FIG21;

FIG23 shows a front view of the medical delivery device of FIG16 in a delivery state with the metered actuator removed;

FIG24 shows a cross-sectional view of the medical delivery device of FIG23;

25 shows a perspective view of the medical delivery device of FIG. 16 at the beginning of switching from the metering state to the delivery state by removing the metering actuator;

26 shows a perspective view of the medical delivery device of FIG. 16 when switched from the metering state to the delivery state by removing the metering actuator;

27 shows a perspective view of the medical delivery device of FIG. 16 after switching from the metering state to the delivery state by removing the metering actuator;

FIG28 shows a front view of the injection device of the medical delivery device of FIG16 after delivery in the delivery state;

FIG29 shows a cross-sectional view of the injection device of FIG28;

FIG30 shows a front view of the injection device of the medical delivery device of FIG16 with the needle covered and protected; and

FIG. 31 shows a cross-sectional view of the injection device of FIG. 30 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain terms are used for convenience and are not intended to limit the present invention. The terms "right," "left," "up," "down," "below," and "above" refer to directions in the figures. Terms include the terms clearly mentioned and their derivatives and terms with similar meanings. In addition, spatially relative terms such as "under," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," "proximal," and "distal" may be used to describe the relationship between one element or feature structure and another element or feature structure as shown in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to cover different positions and orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the positions and orientations shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the element described as being "under" or "below" other elements or features will then be "above" or "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary term "under" can cover both above and below position orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations) and the spatially relative terms used in the text are explained accordingly. Similarly, descriptions of movement along and around various axes include various special device positions and orientations.

To avoid repetition in the drawings and in the description of the various aspects and illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that many characteristic structures are common to many aspects and embodiments. Omitting an aspect from the description or drawings does not mean that the aspect is missing from the embodiments incorporating the aspect. On the contrary, the aspect may be omitted for clarity and a lengthy description may be avoided. In this context, the following applies to the remainder of this specification: if, for the sake of clarity, a drawing contains a reference numeral that is not described in the directly relevant part of the specification, the reference numeral may be referred to in the preceding or following explanatory sections. In addition, for clarity, if a reference numeral is not provided for all features of a component in a drawing, it is referred to other drawings showing the same component. Similar reference numerals in two or more drawings represent identical or similar elements.

FIG1 shows a first embodiment of a medical delivery device 1 according to the present invention, in a metered state. The medical delivery device 1 includes a metering actuator 5 and an injection device. The injection device comprises a housing 2 having a distal body section 21 and a proximal body section 25. The housing 2 comprises an interior space, a distal opening provided at a finger flange 23 located on the distal end of the housing 2, and a proximal opening provided at the proximal end 24 of the housing 2. The body 2 is provided with a plurality of grooves 241 on its outer circumference adjacent to the end 24. The distal body section 21 is provided with an axial indicator window 211, and the proximal body section 25 is provided with an axial chamber window 251 located vertically above the indicator window 211. The proximal body section 25 also has a pair of retaining arms 252.

Arranged in the interior space of the housing 2 are a rod element 3 having a vertically aligned stem 31 and a rubber stopper 32 at the lower end of the stem, and a dose member 6 having a highlighting element 64. The stem 31 and the rubber stopper 32 are visible through a chamber window 251 of the proximal body section 25 of the housing 2. The highlighting element 64 of the dose member 6 is held and guided in an indicator window 211 of the distal body section 21. The distal body section 21 and the proximal body section 25 are separated by an abutment ring 22 of the housing 2. The abutment ring 22 has a horizontal upper surface.

The upper body section 25 of the housing 2 is enclosed by a transparent sleeve portion 51 of the metering actuator 5. The sleeve portion 51 is formed as a vertically extending hollow cylinder that surrounds the upper body section 25 of the housing 2 in the starting position shown in FIG1 . The metering actuator 5 also includes a barrel portion 55 and a bottle holder 53 having a neck bracket 531 including a plurality of retaining arms. The barrel portion 55 extends vertically upward from the sleeve portion 51. The bottle holder 53 is located inside the barrel portion 55 and is a part thereof.

In FIG2 , a medical delivery device 1 is shown in an exploded view so that the individual components are visible. The medical delivery device 1 is designed to receive a bottle 8 as a container. Typically, the bottle 8 has a body 83 and a neck 81 closed by a cap 82. Liquid medication is stored within the body 83 and is delivered or injected via an injection device.

The rod element 3 comprises a hollow body portion 33 which extends coaxially to the stem 31 and partially surrounds the stem 31. The body portion 33 extends in the proximal direction into arm segments 34. Each arm segment 34 is equipped at its proximal end with a pin 35 which projects substantially in the radial direction towards the stem 31. The pin 35 forms the male component of the first thread arrangement of the rod element 3. The pin 35 is mounted flexibly to a certain extent at the arm segment 34 to allow it to be pushed inwards, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal axis 38 of the rod element 3.

The dose member 6 of the medical injection device 1 is transparent and includes a hollow chamber barrel 61 as a chamber body having an outer surface. A thread 65 extends along the outer surface of the chamber barrel 61. Furthermore, the outer surface 61 is provided with dose markings 63. The inner dimensions of the chamber barrel 61 are configured to accommodate the stem 31 of the rod element 3 and the rubber stopper 32. Therefore, the rubber stopper 32 is dimensioned to fit tightly within the interior space of the chamber barrel 61. The chamber barrel 61 extends at its proximal end into a male coupling structure 66, from which a delivery needle 62 protrudes. A spring 7 is positioned between the dose member 6 and the housing 2.

The medical injection device also includes a toggle actuator 4 having a release housing 41 and two support segments 42. The release housing 41 is equipped with two axially extending longitudinal recesses 411 for disengaging the structure. It also has a hollow interior dimensioned to accommodate the lever element 3. In particular, when the release housing 41 and its recesses 411 are positioned on the lever element 3, the arm segments 34 of the lever element 3 are pressed inwards unless the release housing 6 is rotated about the lever element 3 such that the arm segments 34 are positioned within the recesses 411, as explained in more detail below.

FIG3 shows the assembled medical delivery device 1 in its starting position. The medical delivery device 1 is presented in an upright position, with the proximal end at the top and the distal end at the bottom. The toggle actuator 4 extends within the hollow interior of the distal body section 21 of the housing 2. The rod element 3 extends vertically through the toggle actuator 4. The stem 31 and rubber stopper 32 of the rod element 3 are disposed within the chamber barrel 61 of the dose member 6. More specifically, the chamber barrel 61 is located between the stem 31 and the body portion 33 or arm segment 34 of the rod element 3. The arm segment 34 is pressed toward the longitudinal axis 38 of the stem 31 of the rod element 3 by the release housing 41, causing the pin 35 to protrude horizontally toward the stem 31 and locate within the threads 65 of the dose member 6. In this manner, the pin 35 engages the threads 411.

In Figure 3, the longitudinal axis 38 extends vertically. It corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the housing 2, the switching actuator 4, the metering actuator 5, the dose member 6, the spring 7 and the entire device 1. The stem 31 of the rod element 3 has a head ball on its proximal side, on which the rubber stopper 32 is placed.

The sleeve portion 51 of the metering actuator 5 is arranged top-down on the proximal body section 25 of the housing 2. Thus, the distal end of the metering actuator 5 abuts the horizontal surface of the abutment ring 23 of the housing 2. A baffle having an opening is arranged between the sleeve portion 51 and the barrel portion 55 in the interior space of the housing 2. The rod element 3 abuts against the baffle, so that the male coupling structure 66 extends through the opening of the baffle into the barrel portion 55 of the metering actuator 5. Adjacent to the baffle, the metering actuator 5 includes a female coupling structure 52 that mates with and engages with the male coupling structure 66 of the dose member 6.

The dose member 6 is arranged inside the housing 2 together with the rod element 3 and the switch actuator 4. Thus, the retaining arm 252 of the proximal body section 25 retains the collar of the dose member 6, which is arranged between the chamber cylinder 61 and the male coupling structure 66. In this way, the housing 2 is mounted on the dose member 6, the rod element 3, and the switch actuator 4. A spring 7 is arranged between the collar of the dose member 6 and the stop of the housing 2. Thus, the spring 7 is prestressed.

The bottle holder 53 is positioned within the hollow interior of the barrel portion 55 of the metering actuator 5. In addition to the neck support 531 and its retaining arms, it also includes a bottle holder and a spike 532 projecting vertically upward from the bottle holder. During the preparation step for the medical delivery device 1, the bottle 8 is pressed top-down into the metering actuator 5 and its bottle holder 53. This causes the retaining arms of the neck support 531 to move outward, allowing the bottle 8, with its cap 82 on its head, to pass through the flanged ends of the retaining arms. Once the bottle 8 is fully depressed, the flanged ends of the retaining arms snap into place behind the head and into the neck 81 of the bottle 8, securely holding the bottle 8. In this manner, the bottle 8 is vertically mounted top-down in the medical delivery device 1.

When the bottle 8 is pressed into the bottle holder 53, the tip of the lancet 532 pierces the cap 82 including the septum 821. The tip of the delivery needle 62 is arranged below the lancet 532. The delivery needle 62 is covered by the needle seal 54. The delivery needle extends from the lancet 532 through the male coupling structure 66 into the interior of the chamber cylinder 61. Thus, in the starting position shown in FIG. 3 , the lancet 532 and the delivery needle 62 together form an open conduit as a transfer channel between the interior of the bottle 8 and the interior of the chamber cylinder 61 of the dose member 6. Thus, the needle seal 54 minimizes or eliminates the free space between the delivery needle 62 and the lancet 532.

Figures 4 and 5 show the medical delivery device 1 after metering, that is, after a specific amount of medical material has been transferred from the bottle 8 into the dose chamber 611 of the chamber barrel 61 of the dose member 6. To meter, the metering actuator 5 is rotated counterclockwise relative to the housing 2, as indicated by the upper arrow in Figure 4. Thus, the housing 2 can be held by one hand by the patient's distal body section 21, while the patient's other hand can rotate the barrel section 55 of the metering actuator 5 relative to the housing 2. For convenience, the outer surface of the distal body section 21 is provided with gripping ribs. Because the dose member 6 is connected to the metering actuator 5 in a torque-resistant manner via the male coupling structure 66 and the female coupling structure 52, the dose member 6 rotates together with the metering actuator 5. Consequently, the dose member 6 rotates relative to the rod element 3, causing the pin 35 to travel along the thread 65. This, as indicated by the lower arrow, causes the rod element 3 to move downward along the longitudinal axis 38 of the stem 31.

When the rod element 3 moves axially downward, a dose chamber 611 is formed between the rubber stopper 32 and the distal end of the chamber cylinder 61 of the dose member 6 and increases in size. At the same time, a negative pressure is generated in the dose chamber 61, causing the medicament to be drawn from the bottle 8 through the lancet 532 and the delivery needle 62 into the dose chamber 611. The size of the dose chamber 611 corresponds to the amount of rotation of the metering actuator 5 that causes the rod element 3 to move downward or distally.

During rotation, grooves 241 on the outer periphery of housing 2 interact with sleeve 51 of metered-dose actuator 5. Consequently, when sleeve 51 is rotated a specific amount or angle, a click signal is generated that is audible and perceptible to the patient. Thus, when the patient rotates metered-dose actuator 5 and notices the click signal, they know that the dose of the medication has changed by a predetermined volume. This predetermined volume can be, for example, 25 μl.

During metering, as the metering actuator 5 rotates relative to the housing 2, the visible numerals in the highlighting element 64 of the dose member 6 change in response to the volume of the dose chamber 611. More specifically, the highlighting element 64 is guided in the indicator window 211 so that it moves axially or vertically, but not tangentially, relative to the housing 2. Furthermore, the highlighting element 64 is connected to the thread 65 via corresponding ribs that engage in the thread 65. Thus, as the metering actuator 5 rotates relative to the housing 2, the highlighting element 64 moves vertically via the ribs interacting with the thread 65. Compared to FIG. 1 , in which the highlighting element 64 is located at the top of the indicator window 211, in FIG. 4 , the highlighting element 64 has moved downward and is located over the numerals of the dose marking corresponding to the volume of the dose chamber 611.

The metering actuator 5 can be rotated in two directions. Thus, anti-clockwise rotation causes the dose volume 611 to increase, whereas clockwise rotation causes the dose volume 611 to decrease, so that the drug is transferred back into the bottle 8.

6 and 7 illustrate the medical delivery device 1 after metering, with the metering actuator 5 removed along with the bottle 8. As indicated by the arrow in FIG6 , once the dose has been set as described above, the metering actuator 5 is pulled upward or proximally out of the housing 2 by the patient or user. This disengages the male coupling structure 66 of the dose member 6 from the female coupling member 52 of the metering actuator 5. The needle seal 54, which is connected to the rest of the metering actuator 5, is also pulled away from the needle 62, exposing the needle 62.

Figures 8 and 9 show the injection device after switching from the metering state to the delivery state, ready for injection of a medicament. As indicated by the arrow in Figure 8 , to switch, the switch actuator 4 is rotated clockwise relative to the housing 2 and the lever element 3. Thus, the housing 2 can again be held by one hand at its distal body section 21, while the patient's other hand can rotate the switch actuator 4 relative to the housing 2.

Rotation of the toggle actuator 4 aligns the recess 411 of its release housing 41 with the arm segment 34 of the lever element 3. Consequently, the previously radially tensioned arm segment 34 moves outward, away from the dose member 6, causing the pin 35 to disengage from the thread 65. In the delivery state shown in FIG7 , the pin 35 is completely disengaged from the thread 65. Consequently, axial movement of the lever element 3 is no longer blocked by the pin 35. Furthermore, forward or reverse rotation of the toggle actuator 4 is blocked by a flexible ratchet arm at the distal end of the lever element 3, which rotates within the minimum dose interlock recess of the toggle actuator 4. Therefore, once the delivery device 1 has been switched to the delivery state, it cannot be switched back to the metering state.

Figures 10 and 11 show the injection device in a delivery state after an injection. Compared to the previous figures, the injection device in Figures 10 and 11 is tilted 180°, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 10 , with the toggle actuator 4 moved downward. More specifically, to inject the medication, an axial force is applied to the distal end of the toggle actuator 4. For example, this axial force can be applied by the patient's thumb, with the housing 2 being held by the patient. During the injection, the axial force is transmitted from the toggle actuator 4 to the rod element 3, pressing its rubber stopper 32 into the dosing chamber 611 and dispensing the medication outward from the delivery needle 62. After the injection, as shown in Figure 11 , the volume of the dosing chamber 611 is minimized, allowing the medication to be substantially completely delivered.

In addition, while the rod element 3 is being moved axially downward, the retaining arms 252 of the proximal body section 52 of the housing 2 are pushed outwardly away from the axis 38 by the support section 42 of the switch actuator 4. After the injection, the retaining arms 252 completely disengage from the collar of the dose member 6, causing the housing 2 and the dose member 6 to disengage from each other. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, this allows the spring force of the spring 7, which initially prestresses between the housing 2 and the dose member 6, to move the housing 2 axially relative to the rest of the injection device, and in particular, also relative to the needle 62. In this way, the needle 62 is retracted and thus completely covered by the housing 2, which can prevent the needle 62 from causing injury after the injection.

14 shows the metering actuator 5 with the bottle 8 separated from the injection device 1. It can be seen that the female coupling structure 52 has an inner contour corresponding to the male coupling structure 66 of the injection device 1. As such, the female coupling structure 52 is designed to form a torque-resistant, form-fitting connection with the male coupling structure.

The metering actuator 5 has a seal holder 56 between the coupling structure 52 and the bottle holder 53. The seal holder 56 is generally cup-shaped, with the open side extending downward. The needle seal 54 is arranged inside the seal holder 56. The needle seal 54 is made of silicone and has a plug-like form. For installation, its size is such that it is slightly compressed when it is placed in the seal holder 56. In this way, the needle seal 54 is securely connected to the seal holder 56.

The tip 5321 of the upwardly extending lancet 53 is formed with a sharp edge. This allows for easy puncture of the septum 821 of the cap 82 of the bottle 8. Adjacent to the sharp edge, the tip 5321 has an opening that serves as the upper end of a vertical conduit 5322. The conduit 5322 extends throughout the lancet 532 and leads to the top end of the seal holder 56.

As can be seen in FIG. 15 , which shows the metering adapter 5 being mounted on the injection device 1, the needle seal 54 has a vertical passage 541 through which the needle 62 of the dose member 6 of the injection device 1 extends. The tip of the needle 62 extends slightly upward into the bottom of the guide tube 5322 of the lancet 532. The free space around the tip of the needle 62 forms an air volume 55. The air volume 55 provides a clearance that allows the metering actuator 5 to be easily and safely mounted on and removed from the injection device 1. However, the air volume 55 is minimized so that a minimum amount of air is involved when withdrawing liquid from the bottle 8.

FIG16 shows a second embodiment of a medical delivery device 10 according to the present invention, wherein the medical delivery device 10 is in a locked state. The medical delivery device includes a metering actuator 50 and an injection device. The injection device has a housing 20, whose distal body section 210 opens into a finger flange 230 at its lower or bottom end. The housing 20 has a hollow interior, a distal opening provided at the finger flange 230, and a proximal opening provided on the proximal side 240 of the housing 20 (not visible in FIG16 ). The body section 210 is equipped with an axial indicator window 2110.

Arranged within the housing 20 is a lever element 30 having a push cone 350 and a highlighting element 340. The highlighting element 340 is held and guided in the indicator window 2110 of the body section 210. Through the highlighting element 340, the dose marking 630 of the dose member 60 is visible, which is shown as zero in FIG16 . Arranged in the upper part of the housing 20 is a sleeve unit 510 of the metering actuator 50. The sleeve unit 510 is formed as a vertically extending hollow cylinder having a cutout that surrounds the upper part of the body section 210 of the housing 20 in the starting position shown in FIG16 .

The sleeve unit 510 is equipped with a dial mounting ring 5110 at its top end, through which it is rotatably connected to the dial unit 520 of the metering actuator 50. The dial unit 520 is substantially cylindrical and extends vertically upward from the sleeve unit 510. The outer surface of the dial unit 520 is equipped with gripping ribs 5210 to allow for convenient manual operation. It also has a window 5220 through which the release member 530 of the metering actuator 50 is visible. In addition, the dial unit 520 is equipped with a neck bracket 5230 having two snap arms.

The medical delivery device 10 is implemented to receive a bottle 80 as a container. Generally, the bottle 80 has a body 830 and a neck 810 closed by a cap 820. Liquid medicine is stored inside the body 830, and the liquid medicine is delivered or injected through the injection device.

In FIG17 , the medical delivery device 10 is shown in an exploded view so that the individual components are visible. The rod element 30 includes a hollow body portion 330 that extends coaxially to the stem 310 and surrounds the stem 310 when installed. The body portion 330 has arm segments 3320, each of which is fixed to the rest of the body portion 330 at one end and has an outwardly extending release protrusion 3340 at the other end. In addition, each arm segment 340 is equipped with a pin 3330 (not visible in FIG17 ) that protrudes in a generally radial direction toward the stem 310. At the distal end, the body portion 330 of the rod element 30 includes four clip latches 3310. As shown in more detail below, a rubber stopper 320 is mounted to the proximal axial end of the stem 310.

The dose member 60 of the injection device includes a hollow chamber barrel 610 serving as the chamber body. A thread 650 extends on the outer surface of the chamber barrel 610. Furthermore, the outer surface 610 is provided with dose markings 630. The interior of the chamber barrel 610 is dimensioned to receive the stem 310 of the rod element 30 and the rubber stopper 320. Therefore, the rubber stopper 320 is dimensioned to fit tightly within the interior of the chamber barrel 610. At its proximal end, the chamber barrel 610 extends into a male coupling structure 660, from which a delivery needle 620 protrudes proximally. Positioned between the dose member 60 and the housing 20 are the locking member 90 and spring 70 of the release mechanism.

The medical delivery device 10 also includes a toggle actuator 40 having a release housing 410 extending radially from the distal base ring 430 and the sleeve recess portion 420. The release housing 410 is equipped with two axially extending longitudinal recesses 4110 defined by two axially inclined surfaces 4120 of a disengagement structure. It also has a hollow interior dimensioned to accommodate the rod element 30. Specifically, when the release housing 410 and its recesses 4110 are positioned on the rod element 30, the arm segment 3320 of the rod element 30 is positioned within the recesses 4110, such that the release protrusions 3340 extend into the recesses 4110. As described in more detail below, rotation of the release housing 410 causes one of the inclined surfaces 4120 to act upon the corresponding release protrusion 3340, causing the arm segment 3320 to lift or radially bend. At the sleeve recess portion 420, the toggle actuator is further equipped with a second inclined surface 4210 and a support member 4220.

17 , the body 20 is provided with a plurality of grooves 2410 at its outer circumference close to the end side 240. At the distal end, the sleeve unit 510 of the metering actuator 50 comprises a first inclined surface 5130 from which the guide track 5120 extends axially.

The release member 530 of the metering actuator 50 has an axial tongue segment that extends axially in the proximal direction from the ring segment 5310. The axial tongue segment is provided with an arrow-shaped indicator 5330 near its axial end. Similarly, two rods 5320 extend axially in the proximal direction from the ring portion 5310 of the release member 530 and form a blocking surface on the inner side of the ring portion 5310.

On the inner side of the dial unit 520 of the metering actuator 50, a concave coupling structure 5250 extends in the distal direction. As can be seen in more detail in the following figures, the concave coupling structure 5250 is formed to mate with the convex coupling structure 660 of the dose member 60. At its distal end, the dial unit 520 also has a sleeve mounting structure 5240, into which the dial mounting ring 5110 of the sleeve unit 510 can be snapped. When connected via the sleeve mounting structure 5240 and the dial mounting ring 5110, the dial unit 520 and the sleeve unit can rotate but cannot move axially relative to each other.

17 , the cap 820 is provided with a septum 8210 . The metering actuator 50 further comprises a needle seal 540 which is positioned within the female coupling structure 5250 and surrounds the tip of the needle 620 of the dose member 60 as can be seen in more detail in the following figures.

FIG18 shows the assembled medical delivery device 10 in a locked state and in a starting position. It is presented in an upright position, with the proximal end at the top and the distal end at the bottom. The toggle actuator 40 extends within the hollow interior of the distal body section 210 of the housing 20. The rod element 30 extends vertically through the toggle actuator 40. The clip 3310 of the body portion 330 of the rod element 30 snaps into a corresponding slit in the push cone 350, securely connecting the stem 310, push cone 350, and body portion 330.

The stem 310 of the rod element 30 has a head portion 3110 comprising two convex protuberances separated by a concave middle section. The head portion 3110 is axially limited by a distally facing abutment surface 3120. The stopper 320 has an interior corresponding to the head portion 3110 of the stem 310, wherein the entire head portion 3110 fits into the interior of the stopper 320 such that the stopper contacts the abutment surface 3120. The stem 310 of the rod element 30 and the stopper 320 are arranged inside the chamber barrel 610 of the dose member 60.

More specifically, the chamber cylinder 610 is located between the stem 310 of the rod element 30 and the body portion 330 and arm section 3320. The pin 3330, which forms the male component of the first thread arrangement of the rod element 30, engages with the thread 650, which forms the female component of the second thread arrangement of the dose member 60. Due to the arm section 3320, the pin 3330 is somewhat flexible to allow movement outward, i.e., away from the longitudinal axis 380 of the rod element 30. Release projections 3340 protrude from the arm section 3320 in a direction opposite to the pin 3330. In the locked state, they extend into the recess 4110 of the toggle actuator 40. The arm section 3320, together with the pin 3330 and the release projections 3340, has a shape similar to that of a hammer.

In FIG18 , the longitudinal axis 380 extends vertically. This corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the housing 20, the switch actuator 40, the metering actuator 50, the dose member 60, the spring 70, and the entire medical delivery device 10. The sleeve unit 510 of the metering actuator 50 is arranged top-down on the body section 210 of the housing 20, with the housing 20 being configured to receive the sleeve unit 510 in alignment with a single rotation. Inside the housing 20, a shutter having an opening is arranged between the sleeve unit 510 and the dial unit 520. The lever element 30 abuts the shutter, causing the male coupling structure 660 to extend through the shutter opening into the dial unit 520 of the metering actuator 50. The metering actuator 50, adjacent to the shutter, includes a female coupling structure 5250 that mates with and interengages the male coupling structure 660 of the dose member 60. Consequently, the dial unit 520 and the dose member 60 are connected in a torque-resistant manner.

The dose member 60 together with the rod element 30 and the switch actuator 40 are arranged and held within the housing 20. A spring 70 is arranged between the collar of the dose member 60 and the stop of the housing 20. Thereby, the spring 70 is prestressed.

A bottle holder is formed in the hollow interior of the dial unit 520 of the metering actuator 50, and includes a neck support 5230, a supporting surface of the release member 530, a top end of the female coupling structure 5250, and a lancet extending vertically from the top end of the female coupling structure 5250. The blocking surface of the annular portion 5310 engages the groove 2410, which is a corresponding surface at the proximal side 240 of the housing 20. Thus, rotational movement of the dial unit 520 is prevented, and the medical delivery device 10 is in a locked state.

FIG19 and FIG20 illustrate the medical delivery device 10 after changing from the locked state to the metered state. During the step of preparing the medical delivery device 10, the bottle 80 is pressed downwardly into the metering actuator 50 and its bottle holder. This causes the bottle 80 to abut the resting surface of the release member 530 and displace it downward until the blocking surface of the annular portion 5310 disengages the groove 2410 of the housing 20. This allows the dial unit 520 to rotate relative to the sleeve unit 510 and the housing 20, and the medical delivery device is unlocked, i.e., placed in the metered state. As the release member 530 is displaced downwardly by the bottle 80, the axial tongue segment travels along the window 5220 of the dial unit 520 until the indicator 5330 is visible through the window 5220. This notifies the user or patient of the medical delivery device 10 that the bottle 80 is properly positioned and that the medical delivery device 10 is no longer in the locked state, but rather in the metered state. Furthermore, the indicator 5330 shows the direction in which the dial unit 520 is to be rotated in order to start dosing.

As the bottle 80 is pushed downward into the container holder, the retaining arms of the neck bracket 5230 move outward, allowing the head of the bottle 80 with the cap 820 to pass through the flanged ends of the retaining arms. Once the bottle 80 is fully depressed, the flanged ends of the retaining arms snap behind the head within the neck 810 of the bottle 80, securely holding the bottle 80. In this way, the bottle 80 is vertically installed in the medical delivery device 10 with the top facing downward.

Furthermore, when the bottle 80 is pressed into the bottle holder, the tip of the lancet 5260 penetrates the cap 820 including the septum 8210. The tip of the delivery needle 620 is positioned below the lancet 5260. The delivery needle 620 is partially covered by the needle seal 540. The delivery needle 620 extends from the lancet 5260 through the male coupling structure 660 of the chamber cylinder 610. Thus, in the metering state shown in FIG. 20 , the lancet 5260 and the delivery needle 620 together form an open conduit serving as a transfer channel between the interior of the bottle 80 and the interior of the chamber cylinder 610 of the dose member 60. Therefore, the needle seal 540 eliminates leakage and minimizes the free space between the delivery needle 620 and the lancet 5260. In the metering state, the release protrusion 3340 of the arm segment 3320 of the lever element 30 remains located in the recess 4110 of the switch actuator 40. And the pin 3330 of the arm section 3320 of the rod element 30 engages the thread 650 of the dose member 60 .

Figures 21 and 22 illustrate the medical delivery device 10 after dosing, i.e., after a specific amount of medication has been transferred from the bottle 80 into the dose chamber 6110 of the chamber barrel 610 of the dose member 60. To administer a dose, as indicated by the upper arrow, the dial unit 520 of the metering actuator 50 is rotated counterclockwise relative to the sleeve unit 510 and the housing 20. This allows the housing 20 to be held at its body section 210 by one hand, while the user's other hand can rotate the dial unit 520 of the metering actuator 50 relative to the housing 20 and the sleeve unit 510. Because the dose member 60 is connected to the dial unit 520 in a torque-resistant manner via the male coupling structure 660 and the female coupling structure 5250, the dose member 60 rotates along the metering actuator 50. Consequently, the dose member 60 rotates relative to the rod element 30, causing the pin 3330 to travel along the thread 650. This, as indicated by the lower arrow, causes the rod element 30 to move downward along the longitudinal axis 380.

As the rod element 30 moves axially downward, a dose chamber 6110 is formed and enlarged between the rubber stopper 320 and the distal end of the chamber barrel 610 of the dose member 60. Simultaneously, negative pressure is generated in the dose chamber 610, causing liquid or medication to be drawn from the vial 80 through the lancet 5260 and the delivery needle 620 into the dose chamber 6110. Because the head 3110 of the stem 310 of the rod element 30 is provided with a raised portion 3110, the stopper 320 is securely held, minimizing or eliminating deformation caused by negative pressure. The size of the dose chamber 6110 corresponds to the amount of rotation of the dial housing 520 that causes the rod element 30 to move downward or distally.

The groove 2410 on the outer periphery of the proximal side 240 of the housing 20 interacts with the dial unit 520 of the metering actuator 50 when rotated. Therefore, when the user rotates the dial unit 520 of the metering actuator 50 and notices a click, he knows that the dose of the medicine has changed by a predetermined volume. Such a predefined volume can be, for example, 25 μl.

When the metering actuator 50 rotates relative to the housing 20 during dosing, the number visible in the highlighting element 340 of the rod element 30 changes in accordance with the volume of the dose chamber 6110. More specifically, the highlighting element 340 is guided in the indicator window 2110 of the housing 20 so that it moves axially or vertically relative to the housing 20, but not tangentially. On the other hand, the highlighting element 340 is connected to the thread 650 via a corresponding rib that engages in the thread 650. Therefore, when the dial unit 520 rotates relative to the housing 20, the highlighting element 340 moves vertically due to the interaction between the rib and the thread 650. Compared to FIG19 , in which the highlighting element 340 is located at the upper part of the indicator window 2110, in FIG21 , it moves downward and is located above the number of the dose marking corresponding to the volume of the dose chamber 6110.

The dial housing 520 of the metering actuator 50 can be rotated in two directions. Thus, counterclockwise rotation causes the dose volume 6110 to increase, whereas clockwise rotation causes the dose volume 6110 to decrease, causing the liquid or medicament to be transferred back to the bottle 80.

23 and 24 illustrate the medical delivery device 10 after dosing, with the metering actuator 50 removed along with the bottle 80. As indicated by the arrow, once the dose has been set as described above, the user pulls the metering actuator 50 upward or proximally away from the housing 20. This disengages the male coupling structure 660 of the dose member 60 from the female coupling structure 5250 of the metering actuator 50. Furthermore, the needle seal, which is connected to the remainder of the metering actuator 50, is pulled away from the needle 620, exposing the needle 620.

When the metering actuator 50 is pulled down, the medical delivery device 10 switches from the metering state to the delivery state, in which a liquid or medicament is ready for injection. To switch to the delivery state, the switch actuator 40 is rotated a certain distance about the axis 380 relative to the housing 20 and the lever element 30. Consequently, the inclined surface 4120 of the recess 4110 that restrains the switch actuator 40 acts on the release protrusion 3340 of the lever element 30. Due to the inclined orientation, the inclined surface 4120 pushes the release protrusion 3340 tangentially outward. As a result, the arm segment 3320 bends outward, and the pin 3330 disengages from the thread 650 of the dose member 60. In the delivery state shown in Figures 23 and 24, the pin 3330 is completely disengaged from the thread 650. Thus, axial movement of the lever element 30 caused by axial force is no longer blocked by the pin 3330.

As shown in Figures 25, 26, and 27, when the metering actuator 50 is pulled out of the housing 20, the aforementioned rotation of the toggle actuator 40 is automatically initiated. In these figures, the sleeve unit 510 of the metering actuator 50 is shown transparently to allow for visualization of the interaction of its underlying components. The sleeve unit 510 is equipped with two first inclined surfaces 5130 and the toggle actuator 40 and its associated two second inclined surfaces 4110. Specifically, as shown in Figure 25, in the metering state of the medical delivery device 10, the first inclined surface 5130 of the sleeve unit 510 is below the second inclined surface 4210 of the toggle actuator 40. The first inclined surface 5130 and the second inclined surface 4210 have inclined sliding surfaces oriented toward each other. Thus, the inclined sliding surfaces of the second inclined surface 4210 of the toggle actuator 40 are oriented downward, while the inclined first inclined surface 5130 of the sleeve unit 510 is oriented upward.

As shown in FIG26 , when the metering actuator 50 and the sleeve unit 510 move upward relative to the body 20, the inclined sliding surface of the first inclined surface 5130 contacts the inclined sliding surface of the second inclined surface 4210. Thus, the second inclined surface 4210 of the switch actuator 40 slides along the inclined surface 5130 of the sleeve unit 510, causing the switch actuator 40 to rotate counterclockwise.

FIG27 shows that, in the delivery state, the switch actuator 40 has been rotated far enough so that the first ramp 5130 can axially exceed the second ramp 4210. In this way, the metering actuator 50 can be pulled out and removed from the housing 20. Simultaneously, the medical delivery device 10 switches from its metering state to its delivery state. To prevent accidental backward rotation of the switch actuator 40, the support member 4220 of the switch actuator 40 snaps behind a corresponding element of the housing 20. In this way, the medical delivery device 10 can be securely maintained in its delivery state.

When the toggle actuator 40 is rotated, the locking member 90 is ready for activation by rotating the toggle actuator 40 relative to the locking member 90. Specifically, the second inclined surface 4210 interacts with a corresponding protrusion on the locking member. This makes the indicator mark on the locking member 90 visible, indicating that metering is complete. Furthermore, by activating the locking member 90 and thereby the release mechanism, the spring 70 is ready to move the housing 20 after delivery, as described below.

FIG28 and FIG29 show the injection device 10 in its delivery state, prior to injection. Compared to the previous figures, the injection device 10 is inverted 180° in FIG28 and FIG29 . As indicated by the arrow in FIG28 , the rod element 30 is moved downward. More specifically, to inject a liquid or medication, an axial force is applied by hand to the distal end of the push cone 350 of the rod element 30. For example, this axial force can be applied by the user's thumb while the housing 20 is held by the user. During injection, the axial force is transmitted from the rod element 30 to the stopper 320, thereby pressing the stopper into the dosing chamber 6110 and dispensing the liquid or medication from the delivery needle 620. After the injection, as shown in FIG29 , the volume of the dosing chamber 6110 is minimized, allowing the liquid to be substantially completely delivered.

Figures 30 and 31 show the injection device after delivery, with its needle 620 protected. Specifically, the spring force of the initially prestressed spring 70, located between the housing 20 (which serves as the retainer body) and the locking member 90, causes the housing 20 to move axially relative to the rest of the injection device, and in particular, the needle 620. This retracts the needle 620 and completely covers it within the housing 20, preventing it from causing injury after injection. Furthermore, the locking member 90 notifies the user that the injection is complete and that the injection device cannot be used again.

This specification and the drawings illustrating aspects and embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limiting the claims defining the protected invention. In other words, although the invention has been shown and described in detail in the drawings and the preceding description, such illustration and description should be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the description and claims. In some cases, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques are not shown in detail so as not to obscure the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that changes and modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art within the scope and spirit of the following claims. In particular, the present invention encompasses other embodiments having any combination of the features of the different embodiments described above and below.

The present disclosure also encompasses all other features shown in the drawings, even though they may not have been individually described in the preceding or following description. Furthermore, a single alternative of the embodiments and features thereof depicted in the drawings and description may be disclaimed from the subject matter of the present invention or from the disclosed subject matter. The present disclosure encompasses subject matter consisting of the features defined in the claims or exemplary embodiments as well as subject matter containing said features.

Furthermore, in the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single unit or step may perform the functions of multiple features recited in the claims. The mere fact that specific measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. The terms "substantially", "about", "approximately", etc. in conjunction with an qualifier or value particularly also clearly define the qualifier or clearly define the value, respectively. The term "about" in the context of a given numerical value or range refers to a value or range, for example, within 20%, within 10%, within 5% or within 2% of the given value or range. Components described as coupled or connected may be directly coupled electrically or mechanically, or they may be indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components. Any figure marks in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of protection.

The present invention also includes the following medical delivery device embodiments, adapter embodiments, and method embodiments:

Embodiment 1 is a medical delivery device comprising a rod element having a stem, the stem including a longitudinal axis, a distal end, a proximal end, and a stopper mounted to a head portion of the proximal end of the stem, and a dose member comprising a delivery orifice and a chamber body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow interior space, wherein the stem of the rod element extends into the interior space of the chamber body of the dose member, the delivery orifice is arranged adjacent to the stopper of the rod element, and the stopper fits tightly into the interior space of the chamber body. The head portion of the stem has a plurality of protrusions, and the stopper has a corresponding interior space, wherein the entire head portion of the stem fits into the interior space of the stopper.

Embodiment 2 is a medical delivery device according to embodiment 1, wherein, in a metering state of the medical delivery device, the rod element is movable along its longitudinal axis relative to the delivery orifice of the dose member, so that a dose chamber is formed between the stem of the rod element and the delivery orifice in the interior space of the chamber body of the dose member, and when the rod element moves away from the delivery orifice, the dose chamber increases.

Embodiment 3 is a medical delivery device according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the stopper is made of an elastic material.

Embodiment 4 is the medical delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of protrusions of the head portion of the stem are convex.

Embodiment 5 is the medical delivery device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of bulges of the head portion of the stem of the rod element are preferably separated by concave middle sections.

Embodiment 6 is the medical delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the stem of the rod element includes an abutment surface from which the head portion extends.

Embodiment 7 is the medical delivery device according to embodiment 6, wherein the stopper axially abuts against an abutment surface of the stem of the rod element.

Embodiment 8 is the medical delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein a head portion of the stem of the rod element has a reduced diameter compared to the remainder of the stem.

Embodiment 9 is the medical delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the stem of the rod element is rotationally symmetric.

Example 10 is an adapter for connecting a container to a delivery device having a delivery orifice, comprising a mounting structure and a container seat. The mounting structure is configured to connect and disconnect the adapter to the delivery device, and the container seat is configured to maintain the container in a predetermined position relative to the tip of the delivery orifice of the delivery container. When the container is positioned in the container seat of the adapter and the mounting structure of the adapter is connected to the delivery device, an open conduit is formed between the interior space of the container and the interior space of the delivery orifice of the delivery device. The container seat of the adapter includes a puncture needle that punctures the cap of the container opening when the container is positioned in the container seat of the adapter.

Embodiment 11 is an adapter according to embodiment 1, wherein the lancet of the container holder extends in the interior space of the container holder.

Embodiment 12 is the adapter of embodiment 10 or 11, wherein the lancet of the receptacle comprises a pointed end.

Embodiment 13 is the adapter of embodiment 12, wherein the lancet of the receptacle comprises a conduit extending longitudinally through the lancet from the tip.

Embodiment 14 is the adapter of any one of embodiments 10 to 13, further comprising a delivery aperture seal that seals the delivery aperture of the delivery device when the mounting structure of the adapter is connected to the delivery device.

Embodiment 15 is an adapter according to embodiment 14, comprising a seal holder in which the delivery port seal is tightly disposed.

Embodiment 16 is the adapter of embodiment 14 or 15, wherein the delivery aperture seal comprises a channel through which the delivery aperture extends when the mounting structure of the adapter is connected to the delivery device.

Embodiment 17 is the adapter of any one of embodiments 13 and 15-16, wherein when the mounting structure of the adapter is connected to the delivery device, the delivery orifice of the delivery device extends into the conduit of the lancet of the receptacle.

Embodiment 18 is the adapter of embodiment 17, wherein the delivery port seal tightly abuts the lancet on a side of the catheter end opposite the tip of the lancet.

Embodiment 19 is the adapter of any one of embodiments 14 to 18, wherein the delivery aperture seal is formed as a plunger.

Embodiment 20 is the adapter of any one of embodiments 14 to 19, wherein the delivery port seal is made of silicone.

Example 21 is a method for delivering a liquid to a patient, comprising: obtaining liquid in a container, a delivery device having a delivery orifice and an adapter according to any one of Examples 10 to 20; arranging the container in a container seat of the adapter; when the mounting structure of the adapter is connected to the delivery device and the container is arranged in the container seat of the adapter, drawing the liquid from the container into the delivery device via the delivery orifice of the delivery device; disconnecting the adapter from the delivery device; and providing the liquid to the outside of the delivery device via the delivery orifice.

Claims (15)

1. A medical delivery device (1; 10), comprising: A rod element (3; 30) having a core post (31; 310), the core post (31; 310) having a longitudinal axis (38; 380), a first thread arrangement (34; 35; 3320, 3330), a distal end, and a proximal end. A dosing member (6; 60) includes a delivery port (62; 620), a second threaded arrangement (65; 650), and a chamber body (61; 610), the chamber body (61; 610) having a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow interior, wherein the core (31; 310) of the rod element (3; 30) extends into the interior space of the chamber body (61; 610) of the dosing member (6; 60), and the delivery port (62; 620) is arranged adjacent to the proximal end of the core (31; 310) of the rod element (3; 30). During the metering state of the medical delivery device (1; 10), The first threaded arrangement (34, 35; 3320, 3330) of the rod element (3; 30) engages the second threaded arrangement (65; 650) of the dosing member (6; 60), and The first threaded arrangement (34, 35, 3320, 3330) of the core (31, 310) of the rod element (3; 30) and the second threaded arrangement (65, 650) of the dosing member (6; 60) travel along each other, the rod element (3; 30) being movable along its longitudinal axis (38, 380) relative to the delivery port (62, 620) of the dosing member (6; 60), wherein a dosing chamber (611; 6110) is formed between the core (31; 310) of the rod element (3; 30) and the delivery port (62; 620) within the internal space of the chamber body (61; 610) of the dosing member (6; 60), the dosing chamber (611; 6110) increasing as the rod element (3; 30) moves away from the delivery port (62; 620). 2. The medical delivery device (1; 10) according to claim 1, wherein the second threaded arrangement (65; 650) is disposed on the outer surface of the chamber body (61; 610) of the dosing member (6; 60), the first threaded arrangement (34, 35; 3320, 3330) of the rod element (3; 30) includes an arm segment (34; 3320) extending below the core (31; 310), and in the metering state of the delivery device, the first threaded arrangement (34, 35; 3320, 3330) of the rod element (3; 30) engages the second threaded arrangement (65; 650) of the dosing member (6; 60) via the arm segment (34; 3320). 3. The medical delivery device (1; 10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first threaded arrangement (34, 35; 3320, 3330) of the rod element (3; 30) is a pin device (34, 35; 3320, 3330) having at least one pin (35; 3330), the second threaded arrangement (65; 650) of the dosing member (6; 60) includes threads, and the first threaded arrangement (34, 35; 3320, 3330) of the rod element (3; 30) engages the second threaded arrangement (65; 650) of the dosing member (6; 60) by positioning at least one pin (35; 3330) of the pin device (34, 35; 3320, 3330) of the rod element (3; 30) in the threads of the second threaded arrangement (65; 650) of the dosing member (6; 60). 4. The medical delivery device (1; 10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in the metering state of the medical delivery device (1; 10), the dosing member (6; 60) is rotatable relative to the rod element (3; 30), such that the first threaded arrangement (34, 35; 3320, 3330) of the rod element (3; 30) and the second threaded arrangement (65; 650) of the dosing member (6; 60) travel along each other and the rod element (3; 30) moves relative to the delivery orifice (62; 620) along the longitudinal axis (38; 380) of its core (31; 310). 5. The medical delivery device (1; 10) according to claim 4, comprising a metering starter (5; 50), wherein the dosing member (6; 60) has a first connection structure, the metering starter (5; 50) has a second connection structure (52; 5250) corresponding to the first connection structure (66; 660), and the metering starter (5; 50) is torque-resistantly connected to the dosing member (6; 60) when the second connection structure (52; 5250) is mounted to the first connection structure. 6. The medical delivery device (1; 10) according to claim 5, wherein the metering starter (5; 50) includes a container seat (53; 5230, 5250, 5320) for holding the container (8; 80) in a predetermined position. 7. The medical delivery device (1; 10) according to claim 6, wherein the delivery port (62; 620) connects the container seat (53; 5230, 5250, 5320) of the metering starter (5; 50) to the dose chamber (611; 6110) of the dose member (6; 60), such that when the container (8; 80) is arranged in the container seat (53; 5230, 5250, 5320) of the metering starter (5; 50), an open channel is formed between the internal space of the container (8; 80) and the dose chamber (611; 6110) of the dose member (6; 60). 8. The medical delivery device (1; 10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the container seat (53; 5230, 5250, 5320) of the metering starter (5; 50) includes a needle (532; 5260) that pierces a cap of the opening of the container (8; 80) when the container (8; 80) is arranged in the container seat (53; 5230, 5250, 5320) of the metering starter (5; 50). 9. The medical delivery device (1; 10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the metering starter (5; 50) includes an orifice seal (54; 540) that seals the delivery orifice (62; 620) of the metering starter (5; 50) when the second connection structure (52; 5250) of the metering starter (5; 50) is installed on the first connection structure (66; 660) of the dosing member (6; 60). 10. The medical delivery device (1; 10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, when the container (8; 80) is arranged in the container seat (53; 5230, 5250, 5320) of the metering starter (5; 50) and the rod element (3; 30) and the dosing member (6; 60) rotate relative to each other in a first direction, fluid is transferred from the container (8; 80) to the dosing chamber (611; 6110) through the delivery port (62; 620). 11. The medical delivery device (1; 10) according to claim 10, wherein, when the container (8; 80) is arranged in the container seat (53; 5230, 5250, 5320) of the metering starter (5; 50) and the rod element (3; 30) and the dosing member (6; 60) rotate relative to each other in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the fluid is transferred from the dosing chamber (611; 6110) to the container (8; 80) through the delivery port (62; 620). 12. The medical delivery device (1; 10) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a switching mechanism (4, 34, 35; 40, 330, 510) for changing the medical delivery device (1; 10) from a metering state to a delivery state, wherein... Under the metering state of the medical delivery device (1; 10), To prevent the rod element (3; 30) from moving along its longitudinal axis (38; 380) by applying an axial force to the rod element (3; 30), and In the delivery state of the medical delivery device (1; 10), By applying an axial force to the rod element (3; 30), the rod element (3; 30) can move relative to the conveying orifice (62; 620) along its longitudinal axis (38; 380), and Prevent the lever element (3; 30) from moving along its longitudinal axis (38; 380) by rotating the dial housing around the core post (31; 310) of the lever element (3; 30). 13. The medical delivery device (1; 10) according to claim 12, wherein the switching mechanism (4, 34, 35; 40, 330, 510) includes a disengagement structure (34, 411; 3320, 3340, 4120) that, when the medical delivery device (1; 10) changes from a metering state to a delivery state, disengages the first threaded arrangement (34, 35; 3320, 3330) of the core post (31; 310) of the rod element (3; 30) from the second threaded arrangement (65; 650) of the dosing member (6; 60). 14. The medical delivery device (1; 10) according to claim 12, wherein... The switching mechanism (4, 34, 35; 40, 330, 510) includes a release housing (41; 410) with a recess (4110). The first threaded arrangement (34, 35, 3320, 3330) of the rod element (3; 30) includes an arm segment (34; 3320) extending below the core post (31; 310). In the metering state of the delivery device, the release housing (41; 410) holds the arm section (34; 3320) of the rod element (3; 30) in a pre-tensioned position, such that the first threaded arrangement (34, 35; 3320, 3330) of the rod element (3; 30) engages the second threaded arrangement (65; 650) of the dosing member (6; 60) via the arm section (34; 3320). When the conveying device switches from metering mode to conveying mode, the release housing (41; 410) of the switching mechanism (4, 34, 35; 40, 330, 510) moves relative to the arm section (34; 3320) of the rod element (3; 30), and In the conveying state of the conveying device, the arm section (34; 3320) of the rod element (3; 30) is positioned in the recess (4110) of the release housing (41; 410), such that the first threaded arrangement (34, 35; 3320, 3330) of the rod element (3; 30) is disengaged from the second threaded arrangement (65; 650) of the dosing member (6; 60). 15. The medical delivery device (1; 10) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a counter (63, 63; 340, 630) coupled to the lever element (3; 30) such that, when the lever element is moved relative to the delivery orifice (62; 620) along its longitudinal axis (38; 380) relative to the delivery orifice (62; 620) by rotating the dose member (6; 60) and the lever element (3; 30) relative to each other, the counter (63, 63; 340, 630) indicates the dose volume formed by the lever element (3; 30).